Insight News ::: 10.18.10

UPCOMING SHOWS

Fri., Oct. 22: AND1 Meet n’Greets with Special Guests NELLY & MURPHY LEE. • Weds. and Thurs., Oct. 20-21: HUGH MASEKELA at Dakota Jazz Club.

Fri., Oct. 22: TK SOUL, 7:30 pm at Wilebski’s Blues Saloon. For more information or tickets, visit impactminnesota.org, dakotacooks.com, wilebskiblues.com

INSIGHT NEWS October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 18 - October 24, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 42 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Suluki Fardan

Nick Muhammad

Taking it to the streets

By Al McFarlane Editor-in-Chief

Suluki Fardan

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton

Rallying for Dayton

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer St Paul Democratic-Farm-Labor elected officials and candidates rallied on Sunday, Oct 10 at the

Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in support of Mark Dayton for Governor and to register people to vote in the November 2 elections.

The local politicians were hoping to raise awareness of the upcoming election. They want to

motivate community members to register to vote, choose candidates who will support their priorities, commit to help those candidates during the last weeks of the campaign, and vote on Tuesday, Nov 2. Drastic differences exist

between the candidates this year, and the competition is fierce.

The general message delivered was the need to inform and prepare ourselves, our neighbors

DAYTON TURN TO 12

North High School, on October 22-23 will host the 2nd Annual Turn The Volume Up on Peace Week, which continues at various venues throughout Twin Cities through October 30.

Organized

by Impact Minnesota, Vigilant Promotions and Stop The Violence, the event is a collaboration of youthfocused arts and community service organizations that is expected to draw 5,000 young people, getting young voters to pledge to vote on November 2, and, rallying broad community support for North High School, which has been recommended for closure by the Minneapolis Public

Schools District.

The North High School event features the “Ballin 4 Peace” Streetball Event starring the world famous AND1 Streetball Players with special guests and national recording artists Nelly and Murphy Lee. The “Ballin 4 Peace” Streetball Event, the first stop in a 25-city national tour, will also be filmed by MTV for an upcoming reality TV Series called “Crashin’ The Court”.

Nick Muhammad, Impact Minnesota Field Operations Director, said the event connects an aggressive and effective get out the vote initiative organized to deliver increased voter turnout at the polls for the November

IMPACT TURN TO 9

Whither North High?

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford, The Editors

Philip Emeagwali

emeagwali.com

Memories of Colonial Africa

By Philip Emeagwali Part 2 of 5 I was born in 1954 in colonial Africa. One of my most cherished mementos from the colony of Nigeria is one of the pennies I received for my school lunch allowance. The coins bore the likeness of Edward VIII, who became King of England on January 20, 1936, and were minted in anticipation of his reign.

However, Edward abdicated the throne on December 11th of that year before he could be crowned.

He gave up the British kingdom to marry the love of his life, an American divorcee.

In 1960, a typical day in my life began at our compound on Yoruba Road, in Sapele. Our compound was adjacent to the Eagle Club, a night club where I ran errands for music legends, such as master trumpeters E.T. Mensah, Eddy Okonta, and Zeal Onyia. They would give me a penny to buy two sticks of cigarettes and I would bring back

their half-penny change.

Some mornings, my mother would give me a penny with the instructions: “Buy rice with a farthing, beans with a farthing, and bring back a half-penny change.” When I told this story to my son, Ijeoma, he interrupted, saying, incredulously “Daddy, you can’t get change for a penny!”

I then show him my souvenir: a British West African centralholed coin, bearing the head of King George V and minted in 1936 with the inscription “one tenth of a penny.” The central hole was for stringing the coins together, to carry them. The world has changed greatly since my youth!

Nigeria has existed for 96 years and has been independent for 50 years. Nigerians must look back to the first 46 years, spent under colonial rule, to understand the 50 post-colonial years of their self-rule. Looking backward, like the Sankofa, is a prerequisite for understanding the way forward.

AFRICA TURN TO 8

Business

Business profile: Throw it in the wash

PAGE 5

From where we stand, the furor and angst over the possible closure or North Community High School is a good thing.

It is good because it brings to light deep and passionate concern about the education of Black children.

It breaches the gates of civility that dam the wellspring of dissatisfaction with the condition of structural marginalization.

It illuminates the scar tissue of previous surgeries that sliced and diced the Black community, in the name of fiscal reality, but wholly

without the consent of the patient.

It reveals the feeling that a spike heel is being ground into the neighborhood’s solar plexus, as if to make the point again that at any time, anybody can do anything to Black people.

Community organizer and North High graduate Brett Buckner makes the point from the record.

“In reading the September 22, 2009 notes regarding last year’s school closing process, the district held over 40 meetings across the city to discuss the issue with over a thousand community members who had the chance to participate in the process, and conducted a public hearing with two weeks’ notice,” Buckner said

State Rep. Bobby Joe Champion in a letter asking that District not act precipitously, and without adequate input from community stakeholders.

“The current

Suluki Fardan

process has had no community

NORTH TURN TO 8

Voters asked to support children

By Chris Garner Contributing Writer The number “10” was the theme on October 10, 2010, as people gathered at the Minnesota state capitol to partake in the 10-1010 March and Rally for Children and Youth. Reminiscent of the Children’s Crusade of 1963, this youth-led effort coordinated by the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota marched down University Avenue and ended at the steps of the capitol were youth and adults alike joined to hear politicians and youth advocacy leaders speak on issues effecting the children and youth of Minnesota.

Participants in the rally came from as far as Washington D.C. to hear the 10 key

Aesthetics

Waiting for Superman examines education crisis

PAGE 5

issues facing children and youth in America. Minnesota politicians; US Sens Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and Twin Cities mayors Chris Coleman of St. Paul and R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis reiterated the importance of the 10 issues focusing on education.

“When kids have early access to childhood education they enter kindergarten ready to go. We end up sending less to special education and drop out rates fall,” said Franken. By making childhood education a priority he as well as the others feel Minnesota can build not only accountable and productive youth for today, but accountable and productive adults for tomorrow.

The main focus of the event was to encourage people to

Suluki Fardan

Rallying at the State Capitol: Gwladys Mezence, Monique Morgan and Caroline Snowden vote on November 2 and to use the power of the vote to elect persons committed to policies and legislation that support children. While Minnesota

Lifestyle

Perpetuating hope: Exploring UrbanWorks

PAGE 6

elected officials have a 90 percent or greater rolling

KIDS TURN TO 4

2010 Voter’s Guide

Look for it in next week’s edition of Insight News

Page 2 • October 18 - October 24, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY From sustained advocacy to strategic action Gateway to excellence

By Scott Gray MUL President/CEO In Minnesota, every 53 minutes a child is born into poverty; every hour a child is abused or neglected, and every day before his or her first birthday a child dies. Every ten days a child or teen is killed by gunfire, and for every 100 African-American students enrolled in the public schools, 14.4 were suspended. These are the facts as reported by the Children’s Defense Fund in its 2009-Moments in the States.

These are but a few of the life concerns which confront our youth of promise.

For the 2007-08 school year, the Minnesota State Department of Education noted that “the four-year-graduation rate for all the state’s Black males and Black females was only 41 percent.”

When it comes to employment, the Economic Policy Institute, in a 2010 report, noted that the Minneapolis metropolitan area is faced with “the worst relative disparity in employment based on race among the country’s fifty largest metropolitan areas, with African Americans three times more likely than Caucasians to face unemployment.”

Correction: The article published in the September 27 edition of Insight News by Alaina L. Lewis entitled “Entertainment firms collaborate to relaunch pageant,” gave a wrong contact phone number in error. We deeply regret and apologize for any inconvenience which may have encountered when

These are but glimpses of unrealized potential and nagging challenges that have yet to be strategically addressed in our community.

The Minneapolis Urban League (MUL), for over 80 years has been an advocate for equality, community action, and a leader in formulating solutions to quality of life challenges in this community. We believe the issues facing communities of color in the Twin Cities can be eradicated through comprehensive, systematic 21st century approaches, laced with solution-focused collaborative partnership, and fueled by transformational servant leadership.

The founders and leaders of the MUL over the years have worked tirelessly striving to derive answers, steering the organization into the viable change agent it has become today.

Currently, with a committed staff of 55, the MUL conducts some 13 programs which operate in five sites scattered across the city in buildings owned by MUL. The MUL legacy is certainly one that our community can celebrate, because we remain committed to implementing solutions for our community and developing strategies that are relevant for our 21st century challenges.

From Civil Rights to “Silver” Rights In the article, “Urban League’s New Mantra: Economic Development” by DeWayne Wickham in USA Today, calling the number that was published. The correct contact information for the Miss Black Minnesota USA Pageant is as follows: For more information on pageant recruitment or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www. missblackminnesotausa.com or call 1-888-530-4613 .

back in 2005, Marc Morial, the Urban League’s National President said, “The new cutting edge of the Civil Rights Movement is economic development. This is the civil rights movement of the 21st Century.”

As I stated last month, the MUL is seeking to implement solutions and to move our community beyond civil rights but also to “silver” rights -- or sustained economic development.

At the core of an economic development approach is

around the country should play in the community and in the lives of our stakeholders.

Over the years, Urban League affiliates around the country, along with other civil rights organizations and nonprofits, have faced dwindling membership rolls, questions concerning the value and relevance of all community and civil rights organizations, people growing weary of witnessing in-fighting and self-serving leadership, and more. A search on the web will reveal journalists, researchers,

partnerships and work together in harmony in the community, consequently results are fragmented, short-lived, or meaningless to those these organizations are supposed to be serving, • Inappropriate competition with other community and civil rights organizations based upon personality conflicts, narrow emotional intelligence, personal agendas that have little to do with effectively meeting the needs of the target population, and • Old guards in organizations

“People who use our services or tap into our programs are not merely recipients but critical stakeholders...” social entrepreneurship, and the execution of programs and initiatives that speak to the core issues facing a community. The social entrepreneurship framework couples grant seeking with organization-based resource development through income generation and the creation of programming that address social, educational, and employment gaps that exist in the public arena. This strategy better enables a communitybased organization to operate sustained programs that are not canceled and suspended depending upon the availability of grant money.

Remaining Relevant 100 Years Later Since joining the Urban League movement several years ago, I have not had to look far to read or hear the criticisms, complaints, and constructive opinions about the role that the MUL and other civil rights organizations

educators, activists, bloggers, corporations, and community residents with varying opinions such as the following: • No longer serve a purpose because they focus on being politically reactive, rather than being proactive with socially and economically viable solutions, • Outdated approaches that do not address current issues, there is a dire need for actionoriented organizations, • Employing social serviceenabling approaches, rather that conducting programs that provide personal, educational and career empowerment tools that foster self-responsibility and self-sufficiency, • Unethical and self-serving leaders, not servant leaders too often head these groups, • No strategic focus, offering programs in response to grant monies the organization is able to secure, not always the needs of the community, • Unwillingness or inability to form key collaborative

who are not open to new ideas or to allowing the next generation to fully participate Clearly, this suggests a reevaluation of how civil rights and community development operate internally and in the larger community -administratively, ethically and programmatically. We have decided at the MUL that we will combat these negative perceptions by continuing to focus on innovative solutions to develop disadvantaged people of color.

Align Programs to Create Sustainable Change The MUL is fully embracing a systematic social entrepreneurial framework which is designed to create programs aligned with its mission to foster sustainable social change. At the center of this strategy are our Gateways to Opportunity: Health/ Wellness, College Readiness/ Career Development, Workforce Solutions, and

Wealth Accumulation. The MUL 21st Century gateway offers triple bottom line benefits that address the needs of the individual, the community, and organizational sustainability so that services to the community can continue well into the future. The MUL is on a constant search for innovative ideas, emerging opportunities and evolving technologies that can finally serve to solve long-standing social problems. We invite the community to contribute to this effort by sharing of your time and talents with MUL. People who use our services or tap into our programs are not merely recipients, but are critical stakeholders whose feedback and ideas help us better shape solutions to challenges, and also identify opportunities that can be manifested through MUL action. Additionally, MUL strives to be fully accountable to our program participants, employees, volunteers, investors and donors through practices that are transparent to all stakeholders, by reporting on our measurable outcomes through both quantitative metrics and qualitative data, and through documenting social return on investment.

In this season of heightened accountability, the MUL understands that donors want to know clearly how their contributions support strategic action and sustainable change.

MUL has been examining its programs, its operations and seeking opportunities for continuous improvement, so that as an organization, we can better address root causes and community needs. Inventive creativity and organizational innovation have helped to reshape our strategy, and MUL welcomes the prospect of sharing tools and ideas that have proven to rebuild lives and unlock the door to opportunity.

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Insight News • October 18 - October 24, 2010 • Page 3

BUSINESS Business profile: Throw it in the wash

By Chris Garner Contributing Writer You are never too washed up to start your own business and Shantae Holmes is living proof of this. After years in the social services field, she has become the owner of the new one-stop laundromat, All Washed Up, located at 3008 Penn Avenue North.

This new state-of-the-art laundromat has 44 washers and dryers, with six heavy-duty washers for comforters and linens, video games, cable television, vending machines, WiFi, and an on-site seamstress. The laundromat also features a wheelchair accessible ramp that also allows easy transport of laundry and 24-hour security ensure the safety and comfort of its patrons.

After finding out that her Mom

Shantae Holmes and Grover Jones

Uche Photography

was moving out of state, Holmes felt it was time to start putting her plan of owning her own business into action. With the help of N.E.O.N. (Northside Economic Opportunity Network), Holmes was able to create a financially sound business that not only meets her needs but the needs of the Minneapolis Northside community.

N.E.O.N. trains resident entrepreneurs and provides them with financial resources to establish business. Grover Jones, Executive Director or N.E.O.N., said that his program’s main goal is to help its students build wealth and wealth management by increasing assets and decreasing liability. As one of his stand out students, he said, Holmes possesses the qualities it takes to be a successful business owner and has implemented her learning at the program to ensure she best serves her neighborhood.

To find out how to best fill the need of her community, Holmes researched her demographic and from her findings, she discovered that her community, specifically the Broadway area, needed a laundromat.

Holmes remembers going to the Broadway Laundromat as a kid and the relationship that her family had with the owner. For this, she has put forth the effect to create that same line of communication and atmosphere in her own business.

“It’s a nurturing environment where I can bring my kids to work if I must. I’ve created something –and environement-- that can provide direction, communication and that opportunity to sit down and process effectively,” said Holmes.

She believes her hands-on approach to her business has worked well thus far, which has generated strong traffic for her

since the laundromat’s opening in August; despite minimal advertising. Holmes accredits her new found success to her community.

Location also plays a big part the new business’ success. “You can come wash your clothes, go over to Family Dollar, buy household items, go to the grocery store, run over to the hardware store, cash a check and pick up a quick sandwich at Subway. I call it a complete one stop shop, so I plan for my business to at least be able to withstand,” says Holmes.

If business continues to see success, Holmes plans to expand and hopefully add a bilingual staff.

All Washed up is located at 3008 Penn Ave North (in old Penn Best Steakhouse building).

Facility hours are 7 am – 10 pm, daily, with last wash at 9 pm. For more information, (612) 354-7505 or www.allwashedupmpls.com

Money talk: Know what you are worth Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com What does last year’s W-2 look like? This is an employment interviewer’s politically

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

correct way to ask your salary requirement. And it’s among a candidate’s worst nightmares.

Last year, you were partially employed, maybe for cash, and in November you took a retail job just to muster up a couple of holiday gifts for the kiddos.

“Last year’s W-2” has as little to do with your current salary expectations as... well... as that partial employment had to do with your career plans. So, how does one answer such an immaterial question? Do you: a) lie, and hope no one checks? b) answer honestly, and hope for the best? c) plead the fifth? d) answer a different question?

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Andrew Notsch Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed

Let’s think through this. First, A has to be wrong because,

hello, never lie in an interview.

You’ll get caught and be embarrassed and that’s never good. B is no good, either, because it requires you to put irrelevant information on the table, which you must then figure out how to remove during a negotiation - never easy. C is a nonstarter because you’re not in a court room and while it sometimes seems like prosecutor and interviewer might be synonymous, they’re not. Don’t go there.

That leaves D. However common, the W-2 question is a bad one. And when the question is bad, you must either provide a bad answer or answer a different question. In this case, having done your research, you can respond confidently to the question the interviewer really intended to ask: what do we have to pay you to bring you on board? You know what a fair range is for the position

under discussion and you know how well you fit into that range, so say so. If you lack one or two key components, you’ll say, honestly, that you know the common range for the position, but realize you’ll come in at the lower end for this reason. If you’re an old pro, frame your answer that way, asking for the higher end.

Asking for too much or too little rightly disqualifies many candidates. Know and be up front about a fair wage. You’re not looking to gouge anyone, and they are not planning to rip you off. A good company wants to pay you fairly, and that’s all you can ask or expect.

Julie Desmond leads job search and career planning classes for Help Wanted! Workshop in Minneapolis, MN. Next workshop October 22, 2010.

Write to julie@insightnews. com.

Ready to work: Where do I start?

The Recession is Over! Why is it still so hard to find a job?

Help Wanted Workshop presents: Ready to work...

Where do I start?

A dynamic, resultsexpected workshop for job seekers Friday, October 22, 2010, 9am to noon, At Benchmark Learning, 4510 West 77th Street, Edina, MN, $49.

Finding Work Can Be Complicated…

Finding the RIGHT Work Seems Impossible!

Job seekers today face sixty qualified competitors for every open position, overworked hiring managers desperate to find good help and complex new networking and job search technologies.

If your job search has stalled, or never really got going in the first place, this hands-on, half-day workshop is for you. Learn to find work quickly using better techniques and tools. Based on what hiring managers want you to know…

• Discover your strengths • Strategize your search • Revamp your resume • Streamline your networking work • Improve your return on every interview Next Ready to Work

Workshop October 22, 2010 9am-noon, Edina, MN “I want to be working,” people say, “but where do I start?”

Long-time Recruiter Julie Desmond and HR Manager Mickey Moore have combined forces to present Help Wanted! Workshop: a dynamic, informative seminar that offers job seekers innovative ways to find – and land - the right positions.

“Job searching has dramatically changed over the past few years - even the past few months - due to changes in the ways companies use technology to hire employees,” says Desmond.

Participants say: “Well worth it!’

“Fabulous!”

“This seminar was the best.

In just a few short hours I came away with useful tools and contacts that helped me immediately. I especially liked the networking that occurred with other attendees - a real ‘help each other’ approach.”

“It’s not another PowerPoint carnival,” says

WORKSHOP TURN TO 9

Vote Tues., Nov. 2

Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Technology Reporters Shanice Brown Ivan B. Phifer Christopher Toliver Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond S. Himie Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

Our State Senator Linda Higgins It is an honor to serve you. I ask for your vote so I can continue working on behalf of the residents of District 58. Thank you! x Support a strong education system x Invest in early childhood education i End healthcare racial and gender disparities x Build safe, strong neighborhoods x Improve transit/transportation options x Invest in North Minneapolis x Protect pension funds x Fair, equitable taxation x Clean air and water for all Prepared and paid for by Higgins for Senate, 1715 Emerson Ave. N., Mpls 55411. Bruce Center, Treasurer. 612 522 2776 lhiggins@nmpls.com . Www.senatorlinda.com

DFL/Labor Endorsed

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Insight News • October 18 - October 24, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Waiting for Superman examines education crisis

By Alaina Lewis Contributing Writer With Minneapolis North community High School in line for a possible closing, more and more parents, community members and government officials are discussing a weighted question: is America’s public school system truly failing our children?

Another important question is: What do this country’s children need to cash in on their right to a proper education? According to Davis Guggenheim, maybe a hero like Superman is the one for the job!

In his latest documentary entitled Waiting For “Superman,” Guggenheim bravely vocalizes his stance on how public schools, inner city schools, teachers, and the government, are halting the success rate of our students. He follows the lives of five families, all of which are minorities, except for one, and their struggles to put their children in charter schools; schools that Guggenheim believes have the educational tools and the teachers necessary to prepare our children for a triumphant future.

With the help of Geoffrey Canada, a Harvard Graduate and President and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone Charter School in New York, Guggenheim cleverly projects not only the need for change, but a promising solution in the hopes that taking the proper actions will be next in line on the tier for exacting better educational circumstances for our progeny.

The film is a tear-jerker as well as an eye opener, that breathes a

Courtesy Paramount Pictures

significant message relevant to many African American families here in Minnesota.

But quite like Superman, the seemingly fail proof charter schools have a bit of kryptonite gliding beside them. The downside Guggenheim presents about charter schools is their lottery ticket system. Sometimes, this becomes the only means for getting in to these schools.

Guggenheim has spent many years behind the lens, having won an Academy Award for his documentary, The Inconvenient Truth, and for directing several episodes of NYPD Blue, ER, and 24.

Insight News sat down with Guggenheim while he was in Minneapolis for his films premiere at the First Annual Twin Cities Film Festival. Here is what this renegade had to say.

Insight News: What made you want to do documentaries?

Davis Guggenheim: My

father made documentaries, and I was like, “I want none of that.” I moved to Hollywood to be a big Hollywood director. The film I really wanted to make was the film Training Day with Denzel Washington. I convinced Warner Brothers to make the movie and even hire Denzel, and then he got me fired. So I was fired off that movie, and so angry that I bought a little camera and said, “I’m going to make a movie about people I like.” And there were these teachers that were going into LA’s toughest schools to become teachers, so my very first film was about public Eeducation.

I fell in love with these teachers, and that sort of made me realize that first of all, you have to follow the things you love and the stories that are exciting for you. But also that when you spend time at these schools --and I spent everyday at these five schools-- that you really feel like there’s life and death stakes in these neighborhoods.

Andrea Tribitt, Guitarist Deevo, and Larry Sims

Photos courtesy of the Aritsts

Leading artistic and professional lives This is the third in a series of artist biographies aimed at illuminating the depth of talent, creative and productivity Minnesota artist bring to their craft and to our community and culture in the broadest sense.

Again we focus on three more incredibly talented members of Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness.

Andrea Tribitt Andrea Tribitt has traveled the world as a melodious messenger of good news believing that music heals, enlightens, and transcends cultural and language barrier’s to penetrate the very essence of one’s soul manifesting hope.

She is a singer, actress, writer, educator, performance coach, and Co-Owner of FlexSound Studios.

Tribitt

has been featured in a Walmart commercial, she has been awarded many accolades for her dedication to excellence through song and she has appeared in several stage productions. She performed at the 2010 National NAACP Conference held in Kansas City, and she is the 20092010 voice of IDVAAC singing, “Path of Healing”.

She is sought out as a consultant for many church organizations of all faiths to teach and instruct workshops on praise and worship. She has established praise and worship teams throughout the years in the Midwest and has taught music abroad. You can find her unique voice on Hawkins Music & Arts seminar recordings and other various sound recordings.

As a member of the Sounds of Blackness, Tribitt has had the

opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in show business. In 1999 she performed at the White House for the Millennium celebration bringing in the new decade with President Bill Clinton and a host of celebrity’s for this grand historical event.

Guitarist Deevo Guitarist Deevo brings a wide array of musical background to any gig he’s on, with performance experience ranging from R&B, jazz, reggae, funk, rock, gospel, and blues. Born and raised in Chicago, he has come along way from the boy who used to walk to his music lessons a mile and half away while carrying his guitar in a Hefty bag. He is now based in

BIOS TURN TO 6

The teachers that are working in these schools are really changing kids’ lives. The quality of our schools is the biggest civil rights issue of our time.

Insight News: I know that you had chosen 20 preliminary families to talk to before you started filming and then you narrowed it down to the five.

Could you explain what the process?

Guggenheim: I had read about the lottery. This great editorial by Thomas Friedman about witnessing the Lottery in Baltimore schools and there were families that were winners, and families that were losers, and I was like: Wow, that’s an incredible metaphor for the movie. So we found different lotteries that were all around the country. We found the schools, and we went to information sessions. Families would go in and learn about the school and we would meet the families and ask if they would be

part of the movie. We followed 20 families for only about a couple of days, and then we weaned it down to about seven, and only five made it into the movie.

The tragic thing is that it’s not hard to find families that are desperate for a good school.

They’re struggling, and have to take part in this heartbreaking process where they have to win the game of luck to get a great school, which to me is cruel and heartbreaking.

Insight News: You said that the film came together rather quickly. Does that surprise you?

If you had more time, how would you add to the film or make it different?

Guggenheim: Well I’m always sort of re-cutting the movie in my head. I’m not sure it came around quickly. I’d originally said no to it because I just thought it was impossible. And then I sort of had the breakthrough of telling it through a personal point-ofview because I’d made the first documentary --I have my own kids, and I had the point of view of a parent. I’m learning stuff everyday about public education and the controversy that’s swirling around it. I guess there was no way to avoid the controversy. My strong feeling was that there are these taboos about school, and our school system that you’re not allowed to talk about. But my feeling was that if you don’t talk about it, we’re never going to fix our schools. Talking about the unions, the political parties that take money, talking about people like me that send their kids to private school- those are taboos and we need to talk about them.

Our schools won’t be fixed until we talk about this issue.

Insight News: Your film would be considered a call to action. Do you really believe that something is going to change now that you’ve created this piece?

Guggenheim: I actually feel very hopeful. Last week was sort of education nation in New York and Mayor Bloomberg gave a speech and the first thing he mentioned was Waiting for ‘Superman,’ and the next thing he mentioned was how they’re going to reform tenure in New York, which is a key piece to reform. President Barack Obama said he saw the film and found it powerful and talked about how we need more school days, which is a key piece to the film.

People are coming together, watching the film and having these really intense discussions.

I’m very hopeful. Having been apart of Inconvenient Truth, where that film really changed the conversation, I’m very hopeful.

It’s not going to be easy. It’s a long road and I don’t think our schools are going to be fixed overnight, but the types of reforms that are happening make me very hopeful.

Insight News: Can you talk a little about your own personal experiences at school, and how that background sort of formed you?

Guggenheim: After my first day of school when I was five-years-old in 1968, I came home and I asked my mom: ‘Why do I take a school bus from Washington, DC into Virginia?’ That was 40 minutes

SUPERMAN TURN TO 8

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Insight News • October 18 - October 24, 2010 • Page 7

Page 8 • October 18 - October 24, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Perpetuating hope: Exploring Urban Homeworks Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com Hope is contagious. That is the first sentence that appears inside of the Urban Homeworks (UHW) brochure.

Usually, you hear about the spread of a contagious condition, people start running away and it produces fear and panic. There is no need to worry this time-you’ll want to catch this. Hope is at the heart of this community development ministry that provides dignified housing for lower-income families. Not only that, but Urban Homeworks

Superman From 5 to go to school, when there’s a school down the street. She said, ‘Because the schools in Washington, DC are broken.’ And they were broken.

That was more than 40 years ago, and now I’ve got my own kids, and I’m looking around my neighborhood, and the schools in Los Angeles are Because of that personal experience and

Africa From 1 With self-rule came responsibility. We’re now being held accountable for our actions and inaction, our coups and corruption, and our civil wars in Biafra, Congo, and Rwanda.

North From 1 meetings with the public. The first meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday (Oct. 12) after staff and community were notified about Superintendent Johnson’s recommendation last Friday.”

Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson announced in a press release Monday, Oct. 11 that she will recommend to the Board of Education Tuesday the phasing out of North High Community High School beginning the 2011-12 school year. The recommendation was not made, however, but concerned residents did voice their objections to the school board at the Tuesday board meeting.

Under the proposal, current ninth grade students would be the final class of North graduates.

North would no longer be a high school option for current eighth

helps to rebuild neighborhoods, reconnect people, and reweave a sense of community that has gone missing in many of our neighborhoods. It’s done through partnerships with other concerned community members and organizations.

Sound impossible?

I recently had the opportunity to attend their annual fundraising luncheon which highlighted the program’s successes over the year, and while I was there, I caught something… (Hope, that is) and now I am trying to spread it on to you. I have a renewed hope that deserted, foreclosed homes are not the end of the story, and through organizations like UHW, homes will be rehabbed so caring families and professionals can breathe new life into their blocks.

You are part of the equation and your help is needed too. Take

minnesotapublicradio.org

volunteer in their administrative office and you are welcomed to help as often as you’d like.

In addition, if you and a group of friends-from church, civic club, school, etc-would like to volunteer, that would be great!

Give – If we say that we care about the challenges and struggles faced by our neighbors, then our actions should show it.

Marketplace Home Mortgage seems to be stepping up to the plate as community partners. In addition to helping sponsor the fundraising luncheon, they felt it was their responsibility to donate a portion of their profits to UHW. Although resources are tight for most individuals, a simple, modest act of financial generosity can do wonders for you. UWH gladly accepts donations of any size.

One of the things that most

impresses me about Urban Homeworks is the very intentional way they help diverse people to connect; lower-income families, young professionals, construction workers/trainees, and volunteers.

Once connected, we learn that we have more in common than we realized. It’s not just about the rich throwing money at the poor for housing. It’s more about how reconciliation, redemption, and hope are spread from one neighbor to another as we genuinely care for one another. Please do your part…be contagious. Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

the time to learn more about a Christ-based ministry that has been helping to spread hope for the past fifteen years. Visit www. urbanhomeworks.org .

How You Can Help and Spread Hope with UHW

Volunteer - Are you thinking that you have no valuable skills related to homebuilding or repair?

That’s fine. All skill-levels are welcomed and UHW will help you find a job that suits you. They even have opportunities for you to

also feeling like I’m part of the problem I pulled my kids out of the system. I take care of my own kids. What a lot of people do is they stick their head in the sand and hope that the schools will sort of change on their own. That sort of frustration and outrage pushed me to make the film and hopefully help change our schools.

Insight News: I know a lot of public school teachers are upset with the film. When you were going to research and get information for the film, were people forthcoming with helping

you on your quest to make this movie?

Guggenheim: I’ve screened this film in more than 20 cities and the audience is usually 15 to 20 teachers, and most teachers get this film. Most teachers embrace the film. Most teachers say, ‘Thank you for making this movie,’ because they get it. A really good, effective teacher feels all the problems in the movie everyday. They see the problems of the city, the problems of tenure, the lack of support and assessment. Most teachers who

have seen this movie are behind it.

There’s always going to be a small percent that feel threatened and defensive. That’s understandable.

I hope the ones that are criticizing the movie actually see the movie. I talk much more about how teachers are a work of art, and how it’s the hardest job that anyone can do, and how it’s the most noble job anyone can do. And I make this really important point that teachers are the solution, but often their union is an obstacle to change. It’s an important distinction for people

to make. Also, I will say, that I believe in unions. I’m a member of a good union, and it supports me. I think the Teachers Union should continue, it just shouldn’t be a barrier to change. It shouldn’t be an obstacle to reform.

Insight News: Did you feel some sort of responsibility to the kids that you’d chronicled in the film now that you’ve watched them go and battle the system?

Are you interested in doing a follow-up piece? I’m sure a lot of people are wondering what the kids are doing now.

Guggenheim: Most importantly we want to make sure the kids are okay. We have a relationship with them and we’re certain to be with them long term to help them as much as we can.

We also want to respect their privacy so that we’re not sort of revealing what’s going on with them now because they’re kids.

They have a normal life. We’re very personally invested. We love these kids, and want to see them succeed. Maybe down the road their stories will be interesting to continue to tell.

Looking backward 96 years will enable Nigeria to understand when and where it’s train derailed and how to put it back on track. I believe our train derailed because, although the 46 pre-independence years were a brain-gain period, the 50 postindependence years have been marked by the largest brain drain since the Atlantic slave trade.

Looking forward 50 years, I foresee that nations delivering information and communication technologies will indirectly rule Africa. I see the cellular phone, the computer, and the internet enabling Africa to replace selection with election. I see the internet enabling citizens to become reporters, decentralizing the media. I see technology

enabling freedom of the press and democracy in Africa.

Kwame Nkrumah said, “Socialism without science is void.” I say, “Democracy without technology is void.”

A scientist can be famous yet remain unknown. The grand challenge for scientists is to focus on discoveries that reduce poverty rather than on winning

prizes. To focus on the prizes we have won, instead of the discoveries we have made, would be akin to dwelling on a hero’s medal and ignoring his heroism.

Discoveries and inventions that increase wealth and reduce poverty are the “heroes” of science and technology and one hundred nations have printed their revered scientists’ likenesses

on their currency. This elevated those scientists as exalted bearers of their people’s best vision of themselves.

Please allow me to answer a question I was asked: What did I contribute to science and technology? I reformulated and

grade students. Current North students could choose to continue at North until they graduate or choose to attend a different comprehensive high school in their attendance area. North would remain a citywide option for the high school classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014.

State Rep. Bobby Champion (DFL 58B) and State Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL 61B)) said Johnson’s plan to close Minneapolis North High School sends the wrong message to the people of North Minneapolis.

“I am not ready to give up on our future, but that appears to be what some people think we should do,” said Champion, a graduate of North High Champion. “This is my home and this is our community.

We need to stand together for our schools, for our children, and for our community. Now is not the time to cut and run.”

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the education I received in North Minneapolis,”

said Champion. “Let’s make sure people know that on the North Side we care about our schools and we care about our future.”

First chartered over 120 years ago, Minneapolis North has been a cultural landmark for generations of Minnesotans. While declining enrollment has presented problems for North High, Rep. Hayden said he was surprised such a drastic measure would be set in motion without more community dialogue.

“There are families that are feeling really blindsided by this,” said Hayden. “We need much more community engagement on this issue before we do something that could seriously harm a community in ways that have not been discussed or addressed.”

The e-democracy website broadened the discussion on the fate of North High School.

P. Clark, whose son graduated from MPS in 2000 wrote: “Fifteen years ago, in 1995, my stepson visited North as an option

for HS, along with Washburn and Southwest (our attendance area school), and a number of privates.

We lived in Uptown, and he had attended Catholic elementary school, Jefferson Community for a brief time, Anwatin, and Sanford.

He was excited by North, and KBEM in particular. Although I didn’t know much about north Minneapolis myself at the time, I had heard positive comments about North as a school, and less favorable comments about the neighborhood around it.

Ours was not the only middle class family, nor the only white family, looking seriously at North for the class of 2000. It was a notably better choice than Washburn at the time for our student. Southwest was beginning its serious dedication to IB, but students not on that track weren’t particularly well-served.

Looking back, I see several factors that contributed to the downward spiral of attendance at North since I looked at it in 1995:

• Murderapolis. Many middle class potential customers began to be seriously intimated by violence on the Northside, and were less willing to put their kids on buses to the high-tech programs at North.

• Target left the Broadway location, further damaging the economic vitality of Near North.

• Several brand spanking new behemoth schools were built to replace aging and deteriorating community oriented school buildings. Someone forgot to ask the community whether they wanted K8 schools with 1200 kids in them, or options to update their smaller schools where kids could walk and parents could easily drop in.

• IB was added at Henry to increase and stabilize its enrollment.

• Crack, meth, pot and alcohol were readily available too close to the school premises, causing even Near North residents to fear the walk to school for their teenagers.

• The second NAACP lawsuit established Choice Is Yours,

and offered children a way out of chronically underperforming schools.

• Increased offerings for public charter schools, providing a small school setting for families concerned with safety, and often with doorstep to school door busing.

• Increased outreach by private schools to entice high performing students of color to diversify their own institutions, with attractive scholarship packages.

• MPS’ long-held belief that they hold the “keys to kingdom” of educational excellence and choice, while refusing to acknowledge what is going on in the world around them until it is too late.

• A revolving door for principals at North and Associate Superintendents in Area A. • Chaos from school closings that led families with HS age children to seek stability at a safe school with good academics that will be

AFRICA TURN TO 9

NORTH TURN TO 12

Page 10 •October 18, 2010 - October 24, 2010 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Growing Power: Will Allen on local, fresh, healthy food Will Allen’s Good Food Revolution, hosted by the Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI),will be in Minnesota October 22-24, 2010.

Will Allen, MacArthur Genius Fellow and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People will participate in a weekend training on how to grow sustainable, local, fresh, healthy food for and within all communities. Allen and the Growing Power staff from Milwaukee will be at the WEI farm campus on Amador Hill in Almelund, MN throughout the weekend of October 2324 guiding workshops and answering questions and providing an opportunity for developing organic farming skills. Growing Power Inc. in Milwaukee is a large urban

farm operation working in collaboration with local small rural farms to produce healthy, affordable, fresh and local food for inner city and impoverished communities.

This work is guided by Allen’s belief that we cannot have healthy communities without a healthy food system and we are all the community farmers on small plots of Earth who can make this happen.

Allen, best known, for his passion for urban farming, red wiggler worms, vermiculture and composting, affordable hoop house construction and food justice for all, will participate in these related workshops and discussions to inspire all of us to become engaged in developing an alternative food system in our local regions. Other food

Events Calendar Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, andrew@insightnews. com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Andrew Notsch. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Jamaica Heritage Celebration - Oct 18 — On Mon. Oct. 18, the end of Jamaica Heritage Week, there will be a lunch time celebration at Midtown Global Market 2929 Chicago Ave. in the Northeast Community Room from Noon-1:30pm. The event is free. There will be an exhibit on Jamaica’s history and culture.

Minneapolis Performing & Visual Arts College Fair - Oct 19 — Collegebound high school students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in the areas of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, graphic design, and other related disciplines are encouraged to attend.

Tue., Oct. 19th 7-9pm. Twin Cities Coffman Memorial Union, U of M. Lutheran Social Service Seeks Adoptive Parents - Oct 19 — Join us to learn about exciting opportunities and changes in adoption. Discover the tools and support for families who would like a flexible, proactive adoption process, and learn how LSS can partner with you to grow your family. Tue., Oct. 19, from 6pm–8pm at the Center for Changing Lives (Room 182), 2400 Park Ave. Mpls.

Gospel Concert and Health Fair to Raise Stroke Awareness - Oct 21 — The event is free and open to all. The health fair runs 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the concert will run 7-9 p.m. Free health screenings, information on stroke signs and risk factors, and give-aways will be part of the health fair. Oct. 21, at Mighty Fortress International Ministries in Brooklyn Park.

Photo courtesy of WEI

Will Allen guiding a composting workshop sustainability and farming workshops will also be offered at the training weekend.

Will Allen will also be speaking on The Good Food

PHONE: 612.588.1313

participate, and celebrate African culture. The annual Pamoja Night hosted

by Hamline African Student Association will be on Fri., Oct. 22nd at 7pm. Food will be served at 6pm. The night will consist of Fashion, Poetry, Drumming group, and a play about Akhenaten, The Heretic Pharoah. Hamline University Bush Student Center 1536 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. Free.

Zion Baptist Church Pastor Anniversary - Oct 23 — The Zion Baptist Church is celebrating the 4th Anniversary of its pastor, the Reverend Brian Herron Sr. The celebration will kick off on Sat. Oct. 16th with a concert featuring the Zion Baptist Adult Choir.

Continuing: Thur. Oct. 21 and Fri. Oct. 22 with services beginning at 7pm both nights. On Sat. Oct. 23 there will be a Pastors Anniversary Roast and Dinner, which will be held at the Phyllis Wheatly Community Center at 1301 10th Ave. N. in Mpls. Dinner will be served at 5pm with the program slated to follow at 6pm. The appreciation services will culminate on Sun. Oct. 24 with services at 11am and 4pm. For more information on the Roast contact the church at 612-377-5436.

“Blue BBQ” - Senate District 60 DFL annual picnic - Oct 23 — In an effort to build excitement for the 2010 elections and celebrate successes in 2009 municipal elections, southwest Minneapolis Democrats will hold their sixth annual picnic, dubbed “Blue BBQ,” on Sat., Oct. 23 from noon to 3:00 p.m. At Painter Park, 34th St. and Lyndale Ave. S. www.sd60dfl.org First Annual Friends of the Webber Park Benefit Book Sale - Oct 23 — The Friends of the Webber Park Library is holding its first annual book sale during our 100th Anniversary year. The funds raised by the book sale will benefit the collections and programs at Webber Park Library. The book sale will be held on Sat. Oct. 23, from 10am-4pm at the Guilded Salvage Antiques warehouse located at 4430 Lyndale Ave. N.

A Night of Shining Stars Gala - Oct 23 — The African American Breast Cancer Alliance is celebrating its 20 year anniversary with a celebration Hallie Q. Brown of cancer survivors Community Center on Sat., Oct. 23, at the Hilton Garden Substitute Teacher Inn, 411 Minnesota DEPT: Early Learning Center Street, St Paul, MN. SUPERVISED BY: Youth Program Manager

Pamoja/African Night - Oct 22 — Hamline University would like to invite the outside community to come,

TITLES SUPERVISED: N/A FLSA: Non-Exempt SALARY GRADE: $10-13/hour POSITION SUMMARY: This is a substitute position designed to fill in as needed on a short or long term basis for permanent teaching staff. Substitute Teacher participates in long and short range activities for students in accordance with curriculum objectives and engages students in developmentally appropriate activities. Assists with ensuring that the classroom is appropriately staffed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for each child.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Works with teaching staff to implement program curriculum and coordinate students activities.

2.

Plans and supervises the arrangement of the classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy.

3. Maintains a safe and healthy environment, including safely managing developmental activities for the participants.

4. Keeps all appropriate records such as records, attendance, time sheets and accident reports.

5.

Maintains open communication with parents/guardians of the program participants regarding the developmental needs of the participants.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Associates degree or equivalent in early childhood development. B.S. in Early childhood Development preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: CPR and Meet all applicable licensing regulations. Valid Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Minnesota Teachers’ License (preferred).

Work Experience: 5 years of Child Care Center or related experience required.

Other Requirements: • Dealing with confidential information.

• Tight deadlines.

• Dealing with unfavorable weather conditions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with employees, colleagues and manager.

• Agree to mandated child abuse reporting guidelines.

• Ability to relate to children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center ATTN: Human Resources 270 N. Kent Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-224-7074-Fax hr@hallieqbrown.org

Revolution as the keynoter for WEI’s fundraising dinner Friday, Oct. 22 at Macalester College, in the Hill Ballroom, 6:00-8:30 pm.

For more information on tickets

Will Allen at WEI for the dinner or to register for the training weekend, contact WEI at wei@w-e-i.org or call (651)583-0705.

Registration is available on-line or by mail.

FAX: 612.588.2031

Mpls, MN 55406 $20 tickets available at the door only.

2nd Annual African American Family Scholarship Information Night Oct 26 — 5–8:30pm at the North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center, located at 1711 West Broadway, Minneapolis, 55411.

Cleaner, Safer, Greener Event - Oct 30 — Sat. Oct. 30, Projects start at 8:30am. Food and fun 11am-1pm.

Volunteers will meet at 8:30am at Merwins. (Corner of W. Broadway and Lyndale Ave. N.) Food and fun for everyone! Trick or Treating with the area businesses for the children 13 and under and in costume. More info: 612353-5178 or bianca@westbroadway.org Christian Meditation: Saturday Morning Meditation - Thru Nov — 1890 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul November 6th, November 13th and November 20th free These one and a half hour meditation sessions include a short reading or teaching from The Cloud of Unknowing, a book about the quest for God, as well as two 25 minute sitting meditations and a walking meditation.

Hildegard of Bingen and the Living Light - Oct 28 — In this onewoman show, international meezzo soprano Linn Maxwell embodies the extraordinary life of 12th century German prophetess, healer, composer, and Benedictine Abbess, Hildegard of Bingen. Tickets $20 @ St. Olaf Catholic Church 215 S. 8th St. Mpls, MN, 55402.

ASPP Networking & Education Event - Oct 28 — The Midwest chapter of The American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP) will hold a networking and education session addressing picture licensing and copyright issues on Thursday evening, October 28 5-8:30pm at the law firm of Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P., 100 Washington St. S. Mpls.

Thrive! 25 Years of Living Positive Oct 28-Nov 7 Thrive!

— is a free-range OFFICE OF ENERGY SECURITY narrative-meant STATE ENERGY OFFICE for everyone who Notice of Public Hearing on the State’s Plan for Sus- has been touched tainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) by HIV/AIDS Projects in Certified Local Weatherization Agencies as Awarded by U.S. DOE’s Weatherization Assis- and for everyone tance for Low-Income Persons Program. who hasn’t - told The Office of Energy Security, by a consummate State Energy Office is conducting a public storyteller. Thu., Oct. hearing, as required by the United States 28-Sat., Oct. 30 @ Department of Energy (U.S. DOE), on Sus- 8pm; Sun., Oct. 31 tainable Energy Resources for Consumers (SERC) Projects in nine certified local weath- @ 7pm; Fri., Nov. erization agencies that were selected by U.S. 5-Sat., Nov. 6 @ DOE’s Weatherization Assistance for Low- 8pm; Sun., Nov. 7 Income Persons Program to receive awards. @ 7pm; At Patrick’s 3010 Plan modifications to incorporate Cabaret new funding that U.S. DOE competitively Minnehaha Ave. S. awarded to the State for selected SERC projects in nine local weatherization agencies will include descriptions of the projects, project budgets, project metrics, number of dwellings involved, and updates to the Training and Technical Assistance portion of the plan which may be needed to accommodate these new SERC projects.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 at the Department of Commerce, Suite 500, 85 – 7th Place East, St. Paul, MN 55101 in the Summit Conference Room. The hearing will begin at 9:00 A.M. and continue until all interested and affected persons have an opportunity to participate or 11 A.M. at the latest. Oral and/or written testimonies may be submitted at the hearing. In addition, written testimony will be accepted by the Department until 4:00 p.m. on October 22, 2010. Additional written testimony may be submitted to: Barb Krech Office of Energy Security Department of Commerce Suite 500 85 – 7th Place East St. Paul, MN 55101 A copy of the draft plan as approved by U.S. DOE may be obtained by contacting Barb Krech at (651) 284-3262.

Michael Colyar reads from East Side Krazy - Nov 3 — East Side Krazy is the true story of one man’s struggle to survive in the worst neighborhood of Chicago and his eventual rise out of the lifestyle which has claimed thousands of lives to drugs and gang violence.

7:30pm, Wed., Nov. 3, at Magers & Quinn Booksellers (3038 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis; 612/822-4611).

An Evening with Sami and Ikhlas Nov 4 — Enjoy Iraqi music, greet Sami and Ikhlas, and talk with them about life in Iraq, what Iraqis think about their future, and what we can do to build peace. Nov 4. At 740 Mississippi River Blvd. S. St. Paul, MN. Conference on Mental Health and Psychotherapy - Nov 5 — HSI is presenting its Eighteenth Annual Conference on Mental Health and Psychotherapy, featuring training on Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). IPT is brief, time-limited treatment method focused on problems and the experience of emotion in a person’s relationships.

Featuring Gregory Kolden, Ph.D. Fri., Nov. 5, 9am-4pm. TIES Conference Center 1667 Snelling Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55108 Joey Balistreri Benefit - Nov 5 — On July 18, Joey Balistreri of Burnsville, 11, died when his family’s SUV was struck by a car driven by a woman officials say had been drinking. Fri, Nov. 5, 6pm12am @ Knights of Columbus 1114 American Blvd. W. Bloomington, MN. Words to Dead Lips - Nov 5-7 — Aniccha Arts immerses sinuous, percussive Indian-based dance in an atmosphere of captivating electronic soundscapes and hypnotic hand-drawn animations in this world premiere performance that ultimately questions the psychological dimensions of crowd control and the politics of sound. FriSun, Nov. 5-7 8PM at Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls, MN 55408.

Come and See Weekend - Nov. 6-7 — Explore life at an urban monastery with the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, MN. Spend time in prayer, relax with

Assumed Name 1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: Sensational Sweets 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 432 N. 1st Street #208, Minneapolis, MN 55401 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address. Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary: Sensational Sweets LLC, 432 N. 1st Street #208, Minneapolis, MN 55401 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Nina Person Date Filed: 10/4/2010 Insight News 10/18/2010, 10/25/2010

Cost of fundraising dinner: $60.

Cost of weekend training $250.

Inquire about scholarships.

Volunteer opportunities and sponsorships at WEI.

EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com

For more information: www.aabcainc. org

Concert and Book Signing - Oct 27 Please come and hear MacPhail Jazz Ensemble (Adam Linz and the Dakota Combo) perform music from Carei Thomas’s new book Compositions and Concepts. Wed., Oct. 27, 7PM - Free at MacPhail Center for Music 501 South 2nd St. Mpls. MN. Carei will be signing books before and after the concert.

You can see more details at www. musicbycarei.com

Photo courtesy of WEI

the Sisters, meet members of the North Minneapolis neighborhood in which the Sisters provide ministry, learn more about Salesian values, and talk about the discernment process with other women considering religious life. Women ages 18-45 are invited to join the Visitation Sisters of Minneapolis, MN for one of their Come and See Weekend Nov. 5 at 6pm - Nov. 6, at 7pm at 1527 Fremont Ave. N., Mpls. For further information contact: mullinkf@aol.com

A Taste of Golden Valley - Nov 10 — Join us for an evening filled with music, conversation, and great food from a variety of Golden Valley restaurants. A silent auction will feature theme baskets donated by local businesses. Wed. Nov. 10, 5:30-8pm. @ Metropolitan Ballroom 5418 Wayzata Blvd.

NRRC Board of Directors Elections Nov 16 — Nov. 16 8am-9pm at UROC - 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. NRRC is comprised of 13 districts that represent the residents of Willard-Hay and Near North Neighborhoods. This year’s elections will be for odd numbered districts - 2 representatives for each district. NRRC board positions are volunteer and require a minimum time commitment of 4-6 hours per month.

Nominations are open until Nov. 9. If interested or for more info, contact: aramadan@nrrc.org or call 612-3355924.

Children’s Mental Health Resource Fair - Nov 16 — Help may be closer than you think when your child is challenged with emotional or behavioral issues. Many people in many agencies and services are here to help. Come explore the resources available in Ramsey County. Tue., Nov. 16, 6:308PM Wilder Center 451 Lexington Pkwy. N. St. Paul, MN The Awakened Heart: Open Page Writing Series - Nov 23 — 1890 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul November 23rd, 6:30-9pm $30 per session, scholarships available In this monthly series of guided writing sessions, participants will engage in writing as a spiritual practice, awakening and listening to the inner voice of the soul.

November’s theme is “Pilgrimage,” and we will explore the inner and outer aspects of pilgrimage as well as the new navigational skills that we often discover.

1850s Holiday Party at the historic Ard Godfrey House - Dec 5 — The GODFREY HOUSE, located at Chute Square Park, is at the corner of University & Central Avenues SE in Mpls. Visit the oldest remaining wood frame residence in Minneapolis, built in 1849. The house is decorated for the holidays in the modest style of the era.

Sun., Dec. 5, 12:30-3:30pm.

Arise! Bookstore Hosts Festive Holiday Sale - Dec 19-20 — Holiday sale and fundraiser for Arise! Bookstore.

Sat., Dec. 19 and Sun., Dec. 20, 11am– 9pm; baked goods go on sale at 11am and music starts at 5pm on the 19th @ 2441 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

insightnews.com

Insight News • October 18 - October 24, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Huge milestone for Favre is somehow muted Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com On a stormy Monday Night Football game, Brett Favre threw the 500th touchdown of his relentless career in the NFL. Joe Montana threw 273 touchdowns in his NFL career; Warren Moon 291; John Elway 300; Minnesota Viking, Fran Tarkenton 342; and Dan Marino 420.

Now that is certainly enough said right there, but unfortunately there was probably not enough said nationally about this Usain Bolt-like feat from Favre. There is always a storm of media following Favre for this reason or that, and in the Vikings recent Monday night game versus the vaunted NY Jets, that storm of media minutia swallowed a moment that should have been paused for honoring Favre’s accomplishment.

For whatever reason, I have never been the biggest Brett Favre fan, but 500 touchdowns is certified iconic stuff. And though the media overall swept the feat under the rug,

the moment stamped itself in a way, in that fellow football icon Randy Moss was the recipient of that perfect rainbow pass to the endzone. It was the first such connection between the two, and seemed to be a fullcircle sort of moment since Favre was on the losing end of Randy Moss’ national coming out party on Monday Night Football in 1998. If somehow the NFL and national media would have been able to push bull feces aside, then there likely should have been fireworks and a special performance by Puff Daddy because this was likely

the stadium interviewing people in and around the game – something like a cheerleader with a cordless microphone (and don’t think it won’t catch on). Foolish Favre allegedly took the flirtatious bait and reciprocated with his own style of text flirting. Suggestions are that Favre stepped over the line with his flirting, and of course that’s not proper for a married man to do. Of course, Favre is not the first married person to get his flirt on, and as of yet it doesn’t seem that the lady in question filed any type of sexual harassment complaint

“The power of mouse clicks and text messages...’Good Grief.’” the greatest feat in NFL history.

But somehow, the greatest feat in NFL history was muted by a text message. That’s right, a text message (I should note that people die in car accidents from text messages, so people should learn to understand the power they hold in their hand).

For those unaware, Favre allegedly sent a freaky text message two years ago to a cute, buxom brunette hired by the New York Jets to run around

with her employer, and thus any reasonable person would say, “So what.”

Apparently, the story has actually been around for months, but when some hungry online news site got hold of it and tossed it to the tabloid hungry public, the people that pick up tabloids at grocery checkout lines (for purchase, and not the acceptable sarcastic chuckle while waiting) started clicking their mouse to feed

Brett Favre their tabloid hunger. So of course the supposed “legitimate media” then had to follow, because mouse clicks equal ad revenue – please remember that when you use your unassuming little computer mouse.

In other countries they get a

latimes.image2.trb.com

kick out of watching Americans gasp and fret over stuff like Favre’s recent text message situation (I’m so sick of the word ‘scandal’). It seems that in the rest of the world they sit and talk about: food, politics, and on-the-field sports. Perhaps

they know that if the fans and media had their personal messages exposed, then there would be a constant tidal wave of a buzz in the air from all the gasps and frets. And moreover, they probably have the foresight to recognize that all the gasping and fretting over everybody’s personal business would get in the way of more appreciable (food), important (politics), and fun (on-the-field sports) elements of life. The food tastes better if you shut up and chew, the politics get clearer if you shut up and listen, and sports provides for a riot of fun if you just talk about the amazing physical feats that men and women pull off on the field.

Brett Favre has now not only thrown for 502 touchdowns, but also in the same game reached the 70,000-yard mark for overall passing yards. That’s 40 miles!! Oh well. I guess it’s up to me to conjure up a “Congratulations to the Good Ol’ Country Boy!” Maybe Favre is reaping what he sews for playing peaka-boo with his fans all the dang time. Instead of “Pants on the Ground” perhaps Favre will come into the locker room with an old school ghetto-blaster bumpin’ Jay-Z and R. Kelly’s “Not Guilty”, which begins, “I thought this was America people!”

Sadly, it is.

Timberwolves Fan Development Program puts names in lights The Minnesota Timberwolves last week announced the next phase in the team’s innovative fan development program. All fans who take advantage of the team’s unique 10-game Flex Pack ticket offer will be able to “see their name in lights” on a new electronic billboard in downtown Minneapolis.

“Our fans are the centerpiece of everything we do, and this is our way of welcoming new fans to the pack and giving

them an experience they won’t find anywhere else,” said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. “Just as our team continues to develop on the court, we’re working to make our Fan Development Program one of the most aggressive in sports, and we’ll continue pushing the envelope to find new and innovative ways to meet our fans’ needs.”

Every fan who purchases a new 10-game Flex Pack between

now and October 30 will have their name posted on a large, electronic billboard recently installed on Block E in downtown Minneapolis (corner of Hennepin Ave. and 7th St.). Each fan will also receive a photo of their name in lights, and a gallery of all new ticket buyers’ photos will be available on the Timberwolves’ Facebook page.

The Flex Pack, which first hit the market in time for last month’s Minnesota State Fair,

gives fans the unique opportunity to customize their own ticket package, with the flexibility to change seat location, number of tickets per game and price point based on the matchup. The 10game Flex Pack, which starts at just $83, features an average savings of 20% off single-game pricing and is the only way to secure seats for the Miami game on April 1. For more information, visit www.timberwolves.com/ flex.

During the team’s “Run With the Pack” campaign in March, the Wolves unveiled a new Fan Development Program designed to reward loyal fans with tremendous value and increased flexibility. To that end, the Wolves unveiled a new variable pricing plan for this season’s home schedule, ensuring that fans will get the most value for their investment and empowering them to customize their fan experience based on their

schedule and their pocketbook.

The team has also given fans the opportunity to personalize their Wolves experience through an interactive broadcast last February, unique flexible ticket packages over the summer and an interactive media day. Since the Fan Development Program launched last spring, over 2,300 new fans have chosen to Run with the Pack as Timberwolves season ticket holders.